EAGAN, Minn. — The 2020 NFL Draft will mark just the third time for Minnesota to select with the 105th overall pick in franchise history.
The Vikings held the selection in back-to-back years, tabbing cornerback Brian Williams in 2002 and running back Onterrio Smith in 2003.
Williams played a total of 10 seasons, including his first four with the Vikings. He started 48 of 62 games for Minnesota, racking up 12 interceptions and seven forced fumbles. Williams led the NFL with 205 interception return yards after picking off five passes.
Smith's run with the Vikings — and the NFL — lasted two seasons. He rushed 231 times for 1,123 yards and seven touchdowns in 26 games (nine starts).
What type of player might be within reach this time around when they go on the clock at No. 105 (if Minnesota keeps the pick)?
Vikings.com is taking a look at players drafted at corresponding spots that Minnesota is scheduled to pick from between April 23-25. So far in the series, we've covered picks No. 22, No. 25, No. 58 and No. 89.
In addition to players selected 105th overall since 2015, we're also taking a look at the players who were selected a pick before and after No. 105 in each draft. We'll also mention a couple of notable names that landed with other teams.
Stats are from pro-football-reference.com.
2015
104. James Sample, S, JAX – appeared in four games
105. Jamison Crowder, WR, WAS – prospered with current Vikings QB Kirk Cousins from 2015-17, totaling 192 receptions for 2,240 yards and 12 touchdowns in 47 games; after a dip in 2018, posted career-best 78 receptions for Jets in 2019
106. Jeremy Langford, RB, CHI – waived after two seasons with Bears in which he totaled 762 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns; has played in one game (for Falcons in 2018) since start of 2017 season
2016
104. Tavon Young, CB, BAL – has played in 31 games, recording 90 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, 13 passes defensed and four fumble recoveries (returned two for touchdowns in 2018)
105. Parker Ehinger, G, KC – started four games as a rookie but only one in 2017; traded to Dallas for Charvarius Ward in 2018; passed through Jacksonville and Arizona on the way to Baltimore
106. Eric Murray, CB, KC – Gophers product played 45 games for the Chiefs from 2016-18 before he was traded to the Browns; signed with Texans during free agency
2017
104. C.J. Beathard, QB, SF – is 1-9 in 10 starts; has completed 225 of 393 passes for 2,682 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions
105. James Connor, RB, PIT – rushed for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 55 receptions for 497 yards and a score in 2018, his first season as a starter, on the way to the Pro Bowl
106. Amara Darboh, WR, SEA – recorded eight receptions for 71 yards as a rookie; waived before 2018 season and has bounced around to multiple teams since but hasn't appeared in a game
2018
104. Nyheim Hines, RB, IND – totaled 513 rushing yards and four touchdowns, as well as 745 receiving yards and two scores in first two seasons; added punt returning last season and averaged a whopping 31.2 yards per punt return (281 yards on nine returns) thanks to touchdowns of 84 and 71 yards against Carolina in Week 16
105. Antonio Callaway, WR, CLE – went from 43 receptions for 586 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie to waived by the Browns in November 2019
106. Josey Jewell, ILB, DEN – 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in 31 games (12 starts)
2019
104. Ryan Finley, QB, CIN – in three starts, completed 41 of 87 passes for 474 yards and two touchdowns
105. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB, NO – started at nickel cornerback against the Vikings in the Wild Card playoff game; totaled 49 tackles, an interception and eight passes defensed in 16 regular-season games
106. Maxx Crosby, DE, OAK – ranked second among first-year players with 10 sacks in 2019
Others of Interest at 105
1999: Baltimore Ravens — WR Brandon Stokley, Louisiana
Stokley totaled 397 receptions for 5,339 yards and 39 touchdowns in 15 seasons. He worked the slot for the Ravens, Colts, Broncos, Seahawks and Giants before additional stints with the Broncos and Ravens.
1987: Houston Oilers – LB Mark Dusbabek, Minnesota
The former Golden Gopher was initially drafted in 1987 but made it to the NFL with his home-state Vikings in 1989. Dusbabek played in 31 games over the course of three seasons and started 11 contests in 1990.
1976: New York Giants — LB Harry Carson, South Carolina State
Carson started 167 of 173 games, recorded 11 interceptions and racked up nine Pro Bowl selections on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2006).
Recent trend at 105
Including Stokley's selection, a wide receiver has been selected five times out of the 21 drafts since 1999.
